'Twilight' Studio Offers Insight Into Actress' Departure

'Twilight' Studio Offers Insight Into Actress' Departure
Copyright 2008 Frazer Harrison / Getty Images
Summit Entertainment, the studio behind the 'Twilight' film franchise,' released to ET a timeline of the events leading up to their decision to replace actress Rachelle Lefevre -- who plays the vampire Victoria in 'Twilight' and 'New Moon' -- with Bryce Dallas Howard.

 

Lefevre told media outlets that she was "stunned" and "hurt deeply" about being replaced in the series and said she never fathomed she would "lose the role over a 10-day overlap" for the part she took in the film 'Barney's Version,' starring Paul Giamatti and Dustin Hoffman.

ET received the following statement from the studio:

"Ms. Lefevre's representatives were advised as early as April that 'The Twilight Saga: Eclipse' was expected to start shooting in early August.

If Ms. Lefevre was, as she describes “passionate,” about being part of 'The Twilight Saga,' we feel that she and her representatives would have included us in her decision to work on another film that would conflict with the 'Eclipse' shooting schedule.

It was not until July 20th that we were first informed of her commitment to 'Barney's Version,' a commitment we have since been advised she accepted in early June. Summit had acted in good faith that she would be available to fulfill her obligations both in terms of rehearsals and shooting availability for 'Eclipse.'

We feel that her choice to withhold her scheduling conflict information from us can be viewed as a lack of cooperative spirit which affected the entire production.

Furthermore Ms. Lefevre took a role in another film that places her in Europe during the required rehearsal time, and at least 10 days of 'Eclipse'’s principal photography. This period is essential for both rehearsal time with the cast, and for filming at key locations that are only available during the initial part of production.

Contrary to Ms. Lefevre’s statement, it is simply untrue that the Studio dismissed her over a ten day overlap. It is not about a 10 day overlap but instead about the fact that 'Eclipse' is an ensemble production that has to accommodate the schedules of numerous actors while respecting the established creative vision of the filmmaker and most importantly the story.

The fact remains that Ms. Lefevre’s commitment to the other project - which she chose to withhold from Summit until the last possible moment - makes her unfortunately unavailable to perform the role of Victoria in 'The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.'"

'Eclipse' is scheduled to begin production on August 17. Lefevre can be seen in 'New Moon' when it hits theaters Nov. 20.

Published 7/30/09 by the Insider

Comments (16)

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  • Well I understand the studio's point of view and I do like Bryce Dallas Howard, I really hate when new actors are cast into roles that have already been played by someone else. It just takes away from the overall experience some in my opinion.
    beckij276 8/1/09 Reply
  • Summit you are dumb! Rachelle is so perfect for the part and she is beautiful!!! Bryce is not going to fill her place. This is dumb! She is not very pretty and she wont be the right Victoria. The Twilight series was better with Rachelle and will...
    Anonymous 7/31/09 Reply
  • It would really be nice for Rachelle to continue doing Victoria until Eclipse, as she already mastered the character. But she should have also been professional enough to inform Summit of her plans so they could have worked up her schedule. If...
    winterfaerie 7/31/09 Reply
  • Im disapponited that Rachelle Lefevre is not gunna be in The Twlight Saga: Eclipse anymore:';( Rachelle shouldve told Summit about Barney's Version but I still cant wait:)
    NeverLetGo 7/30/09 Reply
  • Im disapponited that Rachelle Lefevre is not gunna be in The Twlight Saga:Eclipse anymore:';( Rachelle shouldve told Summit about Barney's Version but I still cant wait:)
    NeverLetGo 7/30/09 Reply
  • Im disapponited that Rachelle Lefevre is not gunna be in The Twlight Saga anymore:';( Rachelle shouldve told Summit about Barney's Version but I still cant wait:)
    NeverLetGo 7/30/09 Reply
  • ok u people are right it is bs that theyre doing that but if the show must go on so be it
    Anonymous 7/30/09 Reply
  • I cannot believe the uproar with the fans. Her lines in the first movie consisted of maybe three words? lol We haven't seen teh second movie yet, but Bryce is a wonderful actress and can fill her shoes no problem! I feel bad for Rachelle, but she's...
    AngiE2 7/30/09 Reply
  • she is so pretty and teh other chick is so .........................not
    Anonymous 7/30/09 Reply
    • i personally think Bryce Dallas Howard is waaaaayyyy prettier than Rachelle, and a better actress.
      Anonymous 7/30/09
  • i agree its total bs im so fed up with this arg!!!!
    Anonymous 7/30/09 Reply
  • Summit is giving their side of the story. In effect, blackballing her and tarnishing her reputation. Shame on you Summit. You give the impression of "How dare you stand up Summit"! Sad
    ebordcov 7/30/09 Reply
  • I agree with the studio - she was wrong not to tell them so at least maybe they could have worked out a schedule for her to do both. Not sure why she wouldn't tell them. If the studio needed her there for the shoot, then it was her fault.
    Anonymous 7/30/09 Reply
  • thats bs summit and you know it! That message makes Rachelle look aweful and it makes the inndustry think she is untrustworthy.
    Anonymous 7/30/09 Reply
    • how is it bs? even Rachelle admitted that she did have another film to work on during Eclipse, not telling Summit until last minute was unprofessional of Rachelle.
      Anonymous 7/30/09
    • This is my last word on this subject..I hope Rachelle's lawyers take Summit to the cleaners and make them pay dearly for possibly ruining her career. Enuf said.
      ebordcov 8/2/09
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